If you’re on social media, then you know there has been a lot of hubbub around Bruno Mars recently with the release of three new collaborations: “Die With A Smile” with Lady Gaga, “APT.” with Rosé and “Fat Juicy & Wet” with Sexyy Red. After a 2024 NewsNation report purported that Mars owed MGM Grand $50 million in gambling debt and the release of “Die With A Smile,” rumors started to spread that Mars’ sudden fruitfulness was a maneuver to repay his debts. Despite MGM’s statement refuting the report and reaffirming their relationship with Mars, the rumors persisted. On Jan. 27, Mars became the first artist to hit 150 million monthly listeners on Spotify and playfully responded to the rumors with “Keep streaming! I’ll be out of debt in no time.” Whether it was because of the discussion around them or purely their musical value, these songs thrust Mars back into the cultural zeitgeist and my mind. And, although some of my favorite Mars songs can be found on his 2012 triumph Unorthodox Jukebox, it’s an established fact that his pièce de résistance is his 2010 debut record, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. What would be more appropriate than to welcome Mars back into the milieu with a review of his masterpiece?
Doo-Wops kicks off with one of his most evergreen hits, “Grenade,” where Mars pledges himself to bodily harm for his lover, but she will not commit to him the same way. For me, the highlight of this song has always been the bridge, both for the intense, emotional rasp in his voice and the cutting lyrics: “If my body was on fire / Ooh, you’d watch me burn down in flames / You said you loved me, you’re a liar / ’Cause you never, ever, ever did, baby. “Just The Way You Are” is a turn for the sugary sweet, as he sings, “When I see your face / There’s not a thing that I would change / ’Cause you’re amazing / Just the way you are.” Mars said of the song, “I’m a big fan of songs like Joe Cocker’s ‘You Are So Beautiful’ and Eric Clapton’s ‘Wonderful Tonight’ — songs that go straight to the point. You know, there’s no mind-boggling lyrics or twists in the story — they just come directly from the heart. And to me ‘Just The Way You Are’ is one of those songs.”
“Our First Time” is part breathy vocals, part funk, and part elevator music — and it works. It’s also a reminder that despite claims that Mars is new to more sexually explicit songs like Sexyy Red’s “Fat Juicy & Wet,” he is most definitely not; this most recent release joins the ranks of “Our First Time,” 24K Magic’s “Versace on the Floor,” and Silk Sonic’s collaboration with Thundercat, “After Last Night.” He’s done this before, folks. Next we transition into the absolutely electric “Runaway Baby,” one of my favorites on Doo-Wops. It’s just so singable, so danceable, so fun — well, that is until you listen to the actual lyrics … a warning for the girls that he’s not the one for you.
Perhaps the realest song on the album, “The Lazy Song” never fails to stir up all sorts of nostalgia in me. That whistle, that “Today, I don’t feel like doing anything / I just wanna lay in my bed” — such memories. I also can’t help but note that Mars sings “I’m gonna kick my feet up, then stare at the fan”; someone alert Sabrina Carpenter, because apparently it’s a vital option! “The Lazy Song” is followed up by the instantly recognizable wedding bells of “Marry You.” It’s a good, solid pop song, with a catchy tune and lyrics that are just the right amount of silly.
“Talking to the Moon” slows Doo-Wops back down for a soulful ballad. By far the most underrated song on the album and another one of my favorites, “Talking to the Moon” puts Mars’ abilities on full display, reminding listeners that his vocals are at the heart of everything he does. The oft-forgotten “Liquor Store Blues,” featuring Damian Marley, is Mars’ little reggae-blues crossover with an offbeat rhythm which makes for an interesting listening experience.
“Count on Me” is cute and wholesome — who doesn’t love a good song about friendship? Mars cheerily sings, “You can count on me like one, two, three, I’ll be there / And I know that when I need it I can count on you like four, three, two and you’ll be there.” Doo-Wops caps off with “The Other Side” with CeeLo Green and B.o.B, a spooky-sounding song about living such a different life from other people that it’s better if they don’t try to understand it. Green gives Mars some competition in his vocal runs, and B.o.B rounds the track out with his verses.
This trip down memory lane justifies why Mars’ reentrance into cultural discourse was so effortless — his voice is enrapturing, and he knows it. Even if the man was in debt, with a voice like that, I don’t think he’d have much to worry about.
Test Spins is a fortnightly throwback column reviewing and recommending classic and underrated albums from the past. It runs every other Friday.
Sydney Levinton is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at slevinton@cornellsun.com.
